Sugar Substitutes and Sweeteners

People generally use sugar substitutes to cut down on their consumption of carbohydrates and calories, although the term sugar substitutes can refer to any sweetener that you use instead of regular table sugar (sucrose). Other commonly used terms for sugar substitutes include artificial sweeteners, alternative sweeteners, calorie-free sweeteners, sugar-free sweeteners, and non-caloric sweeteners.

For dieters and people with diabetes, non-caloric sugar substitutes are often used to sweeten foods and beverages such as iced tea or coffee, as an ingredient in diet or low-carb recipes, or as an ingredient in prepared products. There are a number of calorie-free sugar substitutes available to choose from and can be found in both liquid and non-liquid forms.

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that provides added benefits. Xylitol is natural, lower in calories than sugar, and shown not to raise blood sugar levels or cause hyperglycemia. This is great for people living with diabetes! In addition, Xylitol has the added benefit of promoting oral health. Diabetics are at an increased risk of oral health issues, such as thrush and candidiasis (which can be fatal). Xylitol, and xylitol-containing products, may assist in the prevention and management of these health issues.

This area features articles and information relating to sugars and alternative sweeteners, as well as the relationship between sweeteners and diabetes.

Acesulfame potassium is used in thousands of foods, beverages, oral hygiene and pharmaceutical products in about 90 countries. Among these are tabletop sweeteners, desserts, baked goods, soft drinks, and candies.